ERIC Number: EJ1079801
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1916-4742
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Integrating Social Networking Tools into ESL Writing Classroom: Strengths and Weaknesses
Yunus, Melor Md; Salehi, Hadi; Chenzi, Chen
English Language Teaching, v5 n8 p42-48 2012
With the rapid development of world and technology, English learning has become more important. Teachers frequently use teacher-centered pedagogy that leads to lack of interaction with students. This paper aims to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of integrating social networking tools into ESL writing classroom and discuss the ways to plan activities by integrating social networking services (SNSs) into the classroom. Data was collected through an online discussion board from TESL students in a state university in Malaysia. The findings revealed that integrating social networking services in ESL writing classroom could help to broaden students' knowledge, increase their motivation and build confidence in learning ESL writing. The students' difficulties for concentrating on the materials when they use computer, lack of enough equipment as well as access to internet, and teachers' insufficient time to interact with the students were regarded as the main disadvantages of integrating social networking tools into ESL writing classes. Therefore, in this new technological era, it is essential for students and teachers to be equipped with technical skills to be competent for life-long learning and teaching. More studies are needed to explore the teachers' and students' attitudes towards using ICT in ESL/EFL contexts. Future quantitative and qualitative studies with more participants are needed to provide deeper insight.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, English (Second Language), Second Language Instruction, Second Language Learning, Social Networks, Social Media, Writing Instruction, Technology Integration, Computer Mediated Communication, Group Discussion, College Students, Student Motivation, Self Esteem, Virtual Classrooms, Qualitative Research
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A